Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic) Recovery

Days 1–3 (hospital): Significant facial swelling and bruising. Jaw may be wired or banded shut. Breathing through the nose can be difficult due to swelling, mouth breathing is common initially. Ice packs applied regularly. Liquid diet only (syringe feeding if wired).

Days 4–14: Swelling peaks around day 3–4, then gradually improves. Numbness of the lower lip, chin, or cheek is very common and usually temporary. Liquid diet continues. Most patients feel weak and tired. Sleep upright or propped up to reduce swelling.

Weeks 2–4: Swelling noticeably reducing. Transition to soft pureed foods (if not wired). Speaking becomes easier. Most people take 2–4 weeks off work or study.

Weeks 4–8: Wires/bands may be removed or loosened. Soft diet begins: mashed potato, scrambled eggs, soft pasta. Jaw physiotherapy exercises to regain opening range.

Months 3–6: Progressive return to normal diet. Residual swelling continues to resolve: the final facial appearance takes 6–12 months. Numbness gradually improves (may take 6–18 months; a small percentage is permanent).

As per published guidelines (last checked Jul 2026): full bony healing takes 6–8 weeks. Soft tissue and nerve recovery continues for many months.

Nutrition is one of the biggest challenges. You need adequate calories and protein for healing, but your diet is severely restricted.

Liquid phase (weeks 1–4 if wired, or weeks 1–2 if banded): Smoothies, protein shakes, blended soups (strained), juice, milk, yoghurt drinks. Use a syringe or squeeze bottle, no straws if instructed to avoid suction. Aim for 1,500–2,000 calories/day.

Pureed/soft phase (weeks 2–6): Anything you can mash with a fork or blend smooth. Mashed potato, hummus, scrambled eggs, overcooked pasta, avocado, custard. No chewing of hard or chewy foods.

Gradual return to normal (months 2–4): Introduce firmer foods slowly as directed by your surgeon. Avoid biting into hard foods (apples, crusty bread, corn on the cob) for at least 3 months.

Weight loss: Losing 3–5 kg during recovery is common and usually recovers once normal eating resumes. If weight loss is excessive, discuss nutritional supplements with your team.

As per AAOMS guidelines (last checked Jul 2026): adequate protein intake is essential for bone healing. Nutritional supplementation may be recommended.

Numbness of the lower lip, chin, and/or cheek is expected after lower jaw surgery and occurs in a high proportion of patients. This is because the inferior alveolar nerve runs through the lower jaw bone.

What to expect: Numbness is usually worst immediately after surgery and gradually improves over weeks to months. Most patients recover normal or near-normal sensation within 6–18 months.

Important: While numb, take care with hot food and drinks (you won't feel burns), and be aware when eating (you may bite your lip without realising).

Permanent numbness: A small percentage of patients (varies by study, approximately 5–15%) have some degree of permanent altered sensation. This is usually mild, a patch of reduced feeling rather than complete numbness.

As per BAOMS patient information (last checked Jul 2026): nerve recovery is gradual and continues for up to 18 months. Report any worsening numbness to your surgical team.